How We Help Partnerships Get Back on Track
By Todd Leonardis
As co-founders of The Partnership Guys, my business partner Steven Schneider and I help other business partnerships get their act together. And we’ve seen it all—partners interrupting each other like they’re on a bad reality show, trust levels so low you’d think someone was embezzling (spoiler: sometimes they were), and roles so blurred they could qualify as abstract art. But this is where we thrive. The Partnership Guys is a consultancy that helps business partners communicate better, trust more, share control, and align strategically—so our clients can start liking their work again and make more money in the process.
People often ask us how we work our magic. Here are a handful of areas that are common tripping points for most partnerships and how we help them stop stumbling.
Communication: “Did You Hear What I Meant?”
Let’s talk about communication, or, as I like to call it, the landmine of partnerships. Every partner has their own unique set of quirks: one partner thinks brainstorming at 6 a.m. is productive, while the other needs three cups of coffee just to remember their name. Misaligned communication styles aren’t just frustrating—they’re the root of most partnership problems.
When Steven and I step in, the first thing we do is watch how partners interact. Are they playing conversational ping-pong, or is one person dominating like it’s a filibuster? We also ask pointed questions like, “What drives you nuts about how your partner communicates?” and “What do you need to feel heard?” That last one always gets some raised eyebrows, but it's an important step in getting to a better place.
One memorable case involved a partner who loved spontaneous “pop-ins” to brainstorm ideas. His partner? Let’s just say he treated those interruptions like personal attacks. We helped them to see how their communication styles were throwing off the balance of power and got them to schedule idea sessions instead of ambushes. Guess what? They stopped passive-aggressively emailing each other in ALL CAPS. Small wins like these quickly pile up into a new way of working.
Building Trust Brick by Brick
Ah, trust. It’s the lifeblood of any partnership, and when it’s gone, everything feels harder. Sometimes trust issues are obvious (think missed deadlines or unexplained expenses), but often, they’re sneaky. One partner feels unsupported but doesn’t say anything until it explodes in a meeting. Fun times.
Steven and I often work with business partners to talk about the tough stuff. What’s bothering you? What do you need to rebuild trust? We’ve found that being vulnerable works wonders. Sharing personal struggles—like juggling work and home life or dealing with burnout—helps partners see each other as human beings, not just co-owners of a P&L statement.
We also encourage regular check-ins. No, not the “How was your weekend?” kind. We’re talking about real conversations about expectations and frustrations. We usually recommend weekly lunches to hash out work issues. Sure, you may argue over appetizers, but by dessert, you've made real progress. Trust is funny that way—it needs consistent effort to move the needle.
The Magic of Decision Domains
Nothing derails a partnership faster than unclear roles or duplicated efforts. Imagine two people trying to steer the same ship, both shouting orders but neither agreeing on where to go. It’s chaos, and nobody wants to go down with that ship.
Steven and I help partners divvy up responsibilities based on their strengths. We call it defining “Decision Domains.” Sounds fancy, right? It’s really just a corporate way of saying, “Figure out who’s better at what and let them run with it.”
For example, if one partner is a spreadsheet wizard who dreams of formulas, they handle finances. Meanwhile, the social butterfly who can sell ice to an Eskimo? Sales and marketing are their playground. Once roles are clear, we assign true control of domains and create systems to keep everyone accountable without stepping on toes. It’s amazing what happens when partners stop micromanaging each other and start focusing on their own strengths.
Let’s Get Ready to Rumble (But Productively)
Conflicts in partnerships are inevitable, but they don't have to derail the company. Steven and I step in as the referees when things get heated, and trust me, we’ve seen some doozies.
Our job is to help business partners turn arguments into productive discussions. First, we get them to focus on the problem, not the person. Instead of “You never listen to my ideas,” try “Let’s figure out how we can both contribute to brainstorming sessions.” See the difference? Less drama, more solutions.
One memorable example involved two partners fighting over whether to expand their business. It was like watching a tug-of-war, except neither side was winning. We advised them to break it down: what’s the risk, what’s the reward, and how can you compromise? By the end, they agreed on a cautious expansion plan—and neither of them threw a chair. Success!
Know Thyself...and Thy Partner
Every partner has strengths and weaknesses, but identifying them? That’s tricky. Not everyone is as self-aware as they imagine. That's why Steven and I use tools like self-assessments and feedback loops to pinpoint what each person brings to the table—and what they don’t.
For instance, in one business duo, the first partner was a creative ideas person who couldn’t balance a budget, while the other was an accounting wizard who had trouble envisioning new ways of doing things. Once they realized how both skill sets are a critical part of a well-run organization, they stopped blaming each other for shortcomings and started complementing each other’s strengths. That’s when the real magic happens.
When you recognize skills, you can assign domains, set each partner up for success, and start sharing power and control in ways that not only drive business and profits but also make your work life a whole lot more fun.
Strategic Alignment: Rowing in the Same Direction
Even the best partnerships can fall apart if the goals aren’t aligned. Steven and I help partners articulate their vision—both short-term and long-term—and break those visions into actionable steps. Regular check-ins ensure everyone stays on the same page.
We've seen more than one partnership where partner "A" wanted to grow at lightning speed while partner "B" valued stability. Controlling the balance between risk and reward is a big issue for lots of business partners. We help with guidance and remediation that help business partners land on a plan that balances both sets of priorities. The result? Growth without burnout—and a partnership still intact.
The Bottom Line: Partnerships Are Work (But Worth It)
At The Partnership Guys, we don’t just fix broken partnerships—we make good ones great. Whether it’s improving communication, rebuilding trust, or defining roles, we’ve seen firsthand how these changes transform businesses and relationships. Sure, it’s hard work, but when partners click, the results are incredible.
And hey, if we can stop partners from firing off passive-aggressive emails or turning a boardroom into a battleground over who splurged on the comfier office chair, we chalk that up as a victory. Because at the end of the day, partnerships are like any great relationship: they work best when everyone shows up, pulls their weight, and remembers that the real enemy is lackluster profits.
Ready to take your business partnership—and your bottom line—to the next level? Contact The Partnership Guys today for a free initial consultation. Let’s turn your partnership into a powerhouse.